County Building Permits
Greenwood County, SC - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Greenwood County, South Carolina. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Applies to unincorporated Greenwood County areas outside municipal limits; incorporated municipalities (Greenwood, Ware Shoals, Hodges, Coronaca) handle their own permits within city limits.
- Department
- Greenwood County Building & Code Enforcement Office
- Address
- 1025 Deadfall Road E., Greenwood, SC (Airport Annex building, shared with City of Greenwood)
- Phone
- (864) 942-8424 or (864) 942-8478
Online Permit Portal
Platform: CitizenServe • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Create a CitizenServe account by completing the local contractor billing account form.
- Submit permit application through the CitizenServe portal or in person at the Airport Annex.
- Upload required documents directly in CitizenServe: approved site sketch from Planning and Zoning showing structure dimensions and setbacks, property owner name, state contractor license numbers for primary contractor and all subcontractors, site plan for all new construction and additions, Land Disturbance form if applicable (for Lake Greenwood parcels).
- Pay permit fees through CitizenServe (24/7 online payment available).
- Respond to any review comments if revisions are required.
- Receive permit approval and proceed to inspection scheduling through portal with at least 24 hours notice.
General Requirements
Permits required for all construction in unincorporated areas; a business license is not required by county (though some jurisdictions have different rules).
Required Documents
- Building Permit Application
- Approved site sketch from Planning and Zoning showing structure dimensions and setbacks
- Property owner identification
- State licensing numbers for contractor and all subcontractors as required by SC law
- Site plan for all commercial and residential new construction and additions
- Land Disturbance form for Lake Greenwood impact areas
- Building code
- South Carolina 2021 Building Code and 2021 Residential Code with SC amendments (effective 2023-01-01 statewide)
- Owner-builder
- South Carolina law requires residential builders and specialty contractors for residential work unless owner exemption applies.
- Contractor requirements
- State licensing number for contractor and all subcontractors required as mandated by SC law; unincorporated county does not require separate county business license.
Fees
- Payment note
- Online payment available 24/7 through CitizenServe portal as of August 18, 2025.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Greenwood County Building & Code Enforcement Office to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- CitizenServe portal (online)
- (864) 942-8424 or (864) 942-8478 (phone)
Typical inspection sequence: Rough-in inspections typically required for foundations, framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC; final inspection required before occupancy.
Additional Resources
- Building code: South Carolina 2021 Building Code and 2021 Residential Code with SC amendments (effective 2023-01-01 statewide)
- Verify contractor license: SC Contractor Licensing Board License Lookup
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- County Code Chapter 1 - Building Regulations
- Planning Department
- License lookup guide: South Carolina Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: South Carolina Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- South Carolina hub: South Carolina Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Greenwood County Building & Code Enforcement Office before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Greenwood County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Greenwood County, SC?
- Permits required for all construction in unincorporated areas; a business license is not required by county (though some jurisdictions have different rules).
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Greenwood County, SC?
- 1. Create a CitizenServe account by completing the local contractor billing account form. 2. Submit permit application through the CitizenServe portal or in person at the Airport Annex. 3. Upload required documents directly in CitizenServe: approved site sketch from Planning and Zoning showing structure dimensions and setbacks, property owner name, state contractor license numbers for primary contractor and all subcontractors, site plan for all new construction and additions, Land Disturbance form if applicable (for Lake Greenwood parcels). 4. Pay permit fees through CitizenServe (24/7 online payment available). 5. Respond to any review comments if revisions are required. 6. Receive permit approval and proceed to inspection scheduling through portal with at least 24 hours notice.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Greenwood County, SC?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: CitizenServe portal, (864) 942-8424 or (864) 942-8478.
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